[reposting a comment i gave in a previous post here]

1. DO NOT AIM FOR IT.

ironic, 'no? pero thinking about it a lot may give you unnecessary pressure and constant overthinking which might affect your output and performance in school.

it is normal to make mistakes and have some failing scores in the first time, that is why you are in college: to learn. still, try to be the better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. (i hope you get the reference hehe!)

in addition, if you really love studying your program, eventually, mag-eexcel ka, but it takes both passion and hard work. although, if ma-realize mo na hindi ka pala masaya sa pinag-aaralan mo, you can always shift. you can still get that latin basta pasok gwa mo sa 1.0 to 1.75, walang 5.0 or fail, inc na hindi pa na-complete, and you take the same number of units as regular students. although there were some students that were eligible for latin even though they had irregular semesters and had to repeat a course, they needed to petition to secgen pa and case-to-case basis approval nito. (check the ust student handbook for these technicalities!)

1. SHOW UP, but only if you can.

some professors give bonus points to students who are present in class, while some do not. either way, you can never learn something new, have the opportunity to be corrected, and show your skills if you are absent.

always be physically, mentally, and intellectually prepared before going to school. kumbaga, dapat may bala ka lagi para ready ka sa labanan. build your character and reputation sa mga professors mo. prove them that you deserve that high grade to get that latin!

however, do not compromise your health over attendance. some could not afford to have absences because they might be left behind in class, but you will not be able to learn if your body needs some rest. your health may even get worse which may lengthen your absence. plus, your brain cannot function well if you are deprived of sleep. i believe in the saying, "mas okay mag-exam nang hindi nagreview, kaysa mag-exam nang bangag".

TRICK: to have school-life balance at para hindi ka ma-burnout, do not make academics your life and have an on and off switch. if it is time for school, only turn on the switch for school and off for others. if for family, on for family only. if for friends, on for friends only. if for self, on for self only, and so on. compartmentalize your priorities!

1. ASK.

take advantage of having professors who have more knowledge and experience than you. you will be amazed of how much you do not know yet. also, they really appreciate students who ask because it means that they are really interested with the discussion.

TRICK: if your professors always have graded recitations and you do not raise your hand because you do not know the answer, turn the table. ask them a question related to it. they will be obliged to answer your question and the discussion will even prosper. they will think that you are listening and participating kaya PLUS POINTS!

1. actively LISTEN and take NOTES.

always focus on the discussions. if you are an auditory learner or you learn through listening, you will be able to understand and retain concepts better. when exams come, you do not have to review so hard. you just have to refresh your mind which will save you time.

unlike in high school, professors in college do not require you to take notes, but PLEASE DO SO. take notes, meaning, ANNOTATE IN TERMS YOU UNDERSTAND, not just copying what the slides indicate. if you are a spatial learner or you learn through visualizing, this will be a great advantage for you in exams. you can also go back to them when you need it in next semesters or even in board examinations.

TRICK: organize your notes and past outputs sa isang digital archive with proper labels and folders. i-maximize mo yung google drive!

1. do not underestimate general education courses, especially if you are having a hard time in major courses.

i am sure that you are familiar with those minor courses since you already encountered it in elementary and high school for several times, so ace those courses to give a kickstart on your gwa.

nstp and p.e. are not included in the computation of your gwa, but you can fail in them which prohibits you to have a latin as well.

1. do not just study, ENJOY!

make some good friends! challenges in college feel a little lighter if you have somebody to rant it with. they will help you review, answer your questions, be posted when you miss class activities, and even look for jobs when you all graduate. in college, competition does not exist. help each other get that latin!

to add, join student organizations! you will learn a lot outside the classroom that will be beneficial for you to get that latin. it helps you explore your skill sets, practice soft and hard skills, as well as build positive networks. para rin hindi ka maumay kakaaral, may time ka to socialize, get some tips from your seniors, at invest experiences para sa cv mo.

bukod pa doon, having fun is part of your college experience na hindi na mauulit kaya sumama ka pa rin sa mga gala at hangout with your barkada every once in a while. hindi yung tipong papasok ka nang lasing at magka-cut ka para magyosi ha?

P.S. these tips may not be applicable to you, but this is how i unexpectedly received my summa cum laude despite being a procrastinator 😅 do what works best for you!

have fun learning in UST, kids!